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Nijjar’s Friend’s Home Attacked in Canada

No injuries were reported in the incident…reports Asian Lite News

Gunshots were fired at the house of a Sikh activist related to pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in the Canadian province of British Columbia last year.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred just after 1.:20 am on Thursday at a South Surrey home located near the 2800 block of 154 Street, the Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.

Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the B.C. Gurdwaras Council identified the house owner as Simranjeet Singh, a friend of Nijjar, the CBC news channel reported.

He added that the overnight attack nearly claimed the life of Simranjeet’s six-year-old child.

According to CBC, a car was heavily damaged in gunfire, and there were multiple bullet holes in the house itself.

Investigators with the Surrey RCMP’s Major Crime Section “believe this was an isolated incident” but did not confirm how many shots were fired into the home.

Corporal Sarbjit Sangha said officers have spoken to the neighbours and witnesses, and are currently reviewing CCTV footage to find out more about the shooting.

“The investigation is in, still, very early stages so the motive of this shooting has not been determined as of this time,” Sangha told CBC News.

Moninder told the news channel that community members believe Simranjeet’s links with Nijjar might have played a part in the shooting.

He added that the shooting came just days after Simranjeet helped organise a pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian consulate in Vancouver on January 26.

According to Moninder, Simranjeet was in touch with the RCMP to report being followed after protests and fears for his life. He also said the shooting would not deter Simranjeet’s activism for a separate Sikh state.

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Canada’s politics gave space to extremism, says Jaishankar


Jaishankar criticised Canada’s political landscape, citing the infiltration of extremist elements as the primary reason for Canada’s recent actions toward India….reports Asian Lite News

Canada ignored India’s request for sharing information about any concerns they may have, and instead made allegations in public against India over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told NDTV in an interview.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had kicked up a massive diplomatic row between the two countries over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Trudeau said was allegedly shot dead by “Indian government agents” outside a gurdwara in Surrey city.

Jaishankar faulted the condition of Canada’s politics in which extremist elements have got themselves embedded, as the major factor behind Canada’s recent behaviour towards India.

“Canada, for some years, has been giving space to extremists and terrorists in their politics. I believe this is a weakness in their politics. A lot of problems have happened there because of this. It should not have happened,” Jaishankar said.

“Their Prime Minister made an allegation against us in public. Before that, both Prime Ministers met, and I was also there. Our position then was that if there is anything in your mind that’s worrying you, any information you got, please tell us. Even if you don’t want to tell us everything, at least say something, so that we can investigate from our side,” he said.

“They did not share anything, but made allegations in public. In comparison, see the example of the US. The US told us that they have some information about criminals, and they will give us some information to look into from our side, and we will compare the information, investigate the matter,” the Eternal Affairs Minister said.

“Separatism, extremism, and violence have been given space in Canada’s politics. There is no such problem in the US. Yes, they have other issues, but there is a difference between Canada and the US in their politics, their approach, and how they handle bilateral relationships,” Mr Jaishankar said, referring to the row over an alleged plot to murder US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

India had rejected Trudeau’s allegation as “absurd”. Canada shared no specific information regarding its charges, India had said, flagging “politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in that country.

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India cooperating in Nijjar killing probe, says Canadian NSA

Thomas said that Canada has “made advancements in that relationship…reports Asian Lite News

Canada’s outgoing National Security Advisor Jody Thomas on Saturday emphasised that India is cooperating in the investigation of the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and called the changing relationship an “evolution”, as reported by Canada-based CTV News.

Thomas said that Canada has “made advancements in that relationship.”

In an interview with CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos which airs this Sunday, Thomas said that her discussions with her Indian counterpart have been fruitful.

“My discussions with my counterpart in India have been fruitful, and I think they’ve moved things forward,” she said.

In September last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had claimed that there were “credible allegations” that the Indian government may have been involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey in June 2023.

However, India denied the allegations as absurd and motivated. Following that relations between India and Canada have been strained

In December last year Justin Trudeau said that he had made the allegations public as he expected the information to be leaked.

Later in December, in a parallel development, the US Justice Department unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun.

The Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors. Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

In its response India said it would cooperate with the United States in this probe.

When asked by CTV news whether Canada’s improved relationship with India was a result of the US indictment, outgoing NSA Jody Thomas said “The two are connected for sure.”

“The information that they revealed supported our position and our assertions with India. India is working with us, and my counterpart, in particular, far more closely to resolve this,” said Thomas.

In December, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had also said that he believes India’s relations with Canada may have undergone “a tonal shift” in the days since the unsealing of the US indictment. (ANI)

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UK’s Trade Talks Pause Irks Canada

Talks are also faltering on drafting new rules for automotive trade between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng has expressed disappointment over the UK’s decision to pause the bilateral free trade talks.

Talking to reporters, Ng said she is “very confident” that the two sides will get back to the table, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I would encourage my colleagues in the United Kingdom to get back to the table because negotiating is how we get a deal,” she said.

Earlier on Tuesday a British government spokesperson said in a statement that they reserve the right to pause negotiations with any country if progress is not being made, adding that they will remain open to restarting talks with Canada in the future.

According to CBC News, a major sticking point between the two sides remains how much tariff-free access British producers should have to the Canadian cheese market. Canadian dairy farmers want to keep their supply-managed and heavily protected sector out of this deal.

Talks are also faltering on drafting new rules for automotive trade between the two countries, CBC News said.

Britain is Canada’s third-largest trading partner. The two commonwealth nations started free trade negotiation in 2022 and eight rounds of talks have been completed since then.

ALSO READ: UK halts trade negotiations with Canada

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UK halts trade negotiations with Canada

Before Britain left the EU at the end of 2020, Canada rolled over existing trade arrangements to ensure free trade could continue….reports Asian Lite News

Britain has suspended talks on a free trade deal with Canada amid unhappiness on both sides about the lack of access to agricultural markets, Canadian officials said.

The talks – which started in March 2022 – are among a number of negotiations Britain has launched around the world in the wake of its decision to leave the European Union, which excluded it from existing EU free trade deals.

“We are disappointed that negotiations with the UK are being paused. Their decision to continue to maintain market access barriers for our agriculture industry and unwillingness to reach a mutual agreement has only stalled negotiations,” said a spokesperson for Canadian trade minister Mary Ng.

Ng has contacted British business minister Kemi Badenoch to express Canada’s disappointment, the spokesperson added. Canadian farmers complain they have been effectively shut out of the British beef market because of regulations banning the use of hormones.

In a statement posted on X, a British government spokesperson said “we reserve the right to pause negotiations with any country if progress is not being made”.

Before Britain left the EU at the end of 2020, Canada rolled over existing trade arrangements to ensure free trade could continue.

One particular arrangement dealing with cheese access has now expired and a Canadian government official blamed Britain for the lack of an extension deal.

“Unfortunately, Britain did not act as fast as it should have in negotiations, and expects Canada to just give [it] these things,” an official told the Reuters news agency.

Both sides said they were ready to resume talks. According to official British data, total bilateral trade in goods and services was £25.9bn in the year ending 30 June 2023, when Canada was Britain’s 18th largest trading partner.

According to Canadian data, bilateral trade with Britain in 2022 accounted for just 2.7% of its total.

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Canada Probes India’s Alleged Meddling in 2019 and 2021 Elections

The commission in a statement has asked the Canadian government to give it all information and documents related to said accusation…reports Asian Lite News

 Months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of having a role in killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in New Delhi, Ottawa has now announced to investigate alleged meddling by India in country’s Federal elections in 2019 and 2021.

The Foreign Interference Commission, which was set up last year by the Trudeau government to investigate interference by foreign governments in the last two federal elections in Canada, on Tuesday said that it will also investigate India’s alleged interference in the elections.

The commission in a statement has asked the Canadian government to give it all information and documents related to said accusation.

Earlier, the main target of the commission’s work was alleged interference by China and Russia. Now, India has also been included in its investigation after India-Canada relations nosedived in the wake of Trudeau’s allegations against New Delhi in Nijjar’s killing.

The commission, scheduled to begin its hearings next Monday, will examine all the information about foreign interference in the two elections and make recommendations to stop it.

It will submit its interim report by May 3 and final report by December 31.

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Canada announces new military donations for Ukraine

Canada

This support is valued at approximately 15 million Canadian dollars ($11.14 million)….reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair has announced new military donations for Ukraine.

These donations include 10 Multirole Boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, valued at approximately 20 million Canadian dollars ($14.86 million), Xinhua news agency reported, citing a news release issued on Tuesday by National Defence.

These multi-engine Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats will assist Ukraine in various maritime operations including search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Each boat will come with a sophisticated sensor, navigation, and communications system, the release said, adding that the delivery of these boats with training is expected to be completed by late spring 2024.

Blair further announced that starting next month, in support of Canada’s membership in the F-16 Training Coalition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Canada will provide civilian instructors, planes, and support staff contracted from Montreal-based Top Aces Inc. to contribute to Denmark and France’s training efforts.

This support is valued at approximately 15 million Canadian dollars ($11.14 million). Training will begin in February 2024 and will continue into 2025, the minister said in the release.

Since February 2022, Canada has committed over 2.4 billion Canadian dollars ($1.78 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, one armoured recovery vehicle, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.

During the NATO summit in Vilnius in mid-July, Reznikov announced the official formation of the “fighter jet coalition,” a group of 11 countries that will assist Kyiv with training its pilots on F-16s and acquiring the aircraft.

The first Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. Greece and the U.S. have also pledged to join the training efforts. So far, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have promised to provide dozens of their F-16s to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force.

ALSO READ: Advocacy groups slam Canadian cap on international students

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Advocacy groups slam Canadian cap on international students

The cap, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Monday, is expected to result in approximately 3,60,000 approved study permits this year — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023….reports Asian Lite News

Migrant and student advocacy groups in Canada have slammed a two-year cap on new study permits for international students, saying that immigrants are being “scapegoated” for the country’s aggravating housing crisis.

The cap, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Monday, is expected to result in approximately 3,60,000 approved study permits this year — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023.

The government crackdown comes as the number of international students in Canada crossed over a million, nearly three times what it was 10 years back, reportedly leading to accommodation shortages, high rentals, and a rise in the cost of living across the country.

According to Migrant Workers Alliance, a Canada-based advocacy group, International students and migrants “need rights, not caps”.

“All of us in Canada are facing overwhelming bills and exorbitant rent because of price-hikes, failures of government policy, and runaway profiteering. And yet it is immigrants who are being scapegoated,” said Sarom Rho from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

“Housing prices went up even when the border was closed during COVID-19. Capping immigration is not a solution, prices will remain high, and all today’s announcement does is cede to racist ideas and hurt working-class people and their families.”

According to Statscan, nationwide rents rose to 7.7 per cent in the country in December, 2023.

Expressing concern over the cap, Universities Canada said in a statement that the new process could mean prospective students choose other countries to pursue higher education.

“We are concerned that the cap per province is going to add stress on an already stressed system and until more information is provided as to how each province will be rolling out this new program, it is difficult to comment on its effect on Canada’s universities,” the group said in a statement published on Global News

Miller further said that from September, Canada will no longer issue post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) to students studying under curriculum licensing arrangements, stating that these programmes are notorious for lacking oversight and do not provide quality academic experience.

“This does not fix the failures of the massive expansion of such get-rich institutions to which recruiters will continue to funnel vulnerable students. There must be a single system in which schools that are eligible for study permits should also be eligible for post-graduate work permits., If the school is not good enough for a post-graduate work permit, it simply should be closed down,” the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change said in a statement.

A PGWP allows one to remain in Canada and work full-time upon completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree programme that is at least eight months in length.

Valid for between eight months to three years, they allow the holder to work for any employer, for as many hours as they wish, anywhere in Canada.

In addition to the two-year cap, Miller also announced that in the week ahead families of international students who are not in graduate-level studies will be banned from being in the country.

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Canada Imposes Two-Year Cap on New Study Permits for Int’l Students

The minister further said that from September, Canada will no longer issue post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) to students studying under curriculum licensing arrangements…reports Asian Lite News

The Canadian government has announced a two-year cap on new study permits for international students, which is expected to result in approximately 3,60,000 approved study permits this year — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023.

Asserting that international students enrich their communities, Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement on Monday as the government faced backlash after their growing influx in recent years exacerbated the country’s housing crisis.

“I announced a two-year cap on new study permits starting in 2024. This is expected to result in approx 360,000 approved study permits this year, and will be allocated to provinces and territories to distribute among their DLIs (Designated learning institutions),” Miller wrote on X.

The development came as the number of international students in Canada crossed one million mark, with Indians leading the pack, accounting for 215,190 out of the 579,075 permits issued till November 2023.

Miller stated that to ensure the integrity of the programme and uphold the academic experience, Canada will continue to implement reforms, and the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year.

Miller said that by imposing the cap, the government is taking action against some small private colleges taking advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses and charging high tuition fees.

The minister further said that from September, Canada will no longer issue post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) to students studying under curriculum licensing arrangements.

“These programmes are notorious for lacking oversight and do not provide the quality academic experience that Canada is renowned for,” Miller said.

In the coming weeks, the country will no longer issue work permits to spouses of international students, apart from those in master’s and doctoral programmes, the minister added.

Earlier, it was announced that from this year, students will have to show at least in their CA$20,635 account on top of their one-year tuition fees, and if they bring one family member, they will need to show an additional CA$4,000.

To get a study visa to Canada, a student currently needs to show $10,000 in his or her account to cover the initial cost of living.

International students contribute about CA$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the Canadian economy.

ALSO READ-Canada Eyes Reduction in Foreign Students

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Canada Eyes Reduction in Foreign Students

Canada

The cut in study visas will likely come later this year….reports Asian Lite News

Canada is set to reduce the number of international students coming to the country for post-secondary education.

The cut in study visas will likely come later this year.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Canada issued a record 579,075 study visas in 2023. As a result, the number of international students jumped from 617,250 in 2021 to over 900,000 in 2023.

Public opinion has blamed high immigration levels and international students for housing affordability problems in the urban areas of the country.

As per media reports, the Canadian government plans to reduce study visas to sustainable levels.

Currently, educational institutions in various Canadian provinces are free to admit any number of international students.

But now, the federal government plans to decide the number of study visas to be issued to international students and allot a certain quota to each province.

Though there has been a huge drop of over 80 per cent in study visas for Indian students this year, the cut in the numbers will impact Indian students the most.

There are over 340,000 Indian students in Canada.

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